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The average major kitchen remodel costs about $80,000. You probably don't want to pick the contractor by Googling “remodeler near me.”

Tell us what you're planning and your budget. We'll connect you with up to three reputable Raleigh remodelers who may be a good fit.

Free. Local. No endless contractor hunt.

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Music in the Park is closing out its summer season on Friday, September 4, from 6:30 PM–8:30 PM at Indian Creek Trailhead. Local rock band Echo Blvd will bring the energy with favorite hits from the ’90s and ’00s, while Empanadas and More handles the snacks. The concert is free and family-friendly, with parking available at the Town Hall Campus along Town Hall Drive.

Not sponsored—we’re just fans of free music and filled pastries. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).

FYI:

Restaurants come and go quickly, so staying around for over 40 years is worth a little attention.

Side Street Restaurant is a locally family-owned spot in the heart of Downtown Raleigh with an old-fashioned feel and a menu centered on classic lunch favorites. The restaurant specializes in gourmet sandwiches, salads, homemade soups, quiche, and desserts made from scratch.

It's the sort of menu that covers a lot of familiar territory without needing to reinvent lunch. You can stop in for soup and a sandwich, opt for quiche and salad, or leave room for something sweet afterward.

And after more than four decades in business, Side Street has become part of Raleigh's restaurant history in its own right. For anyone who enjoys discovering longtime local places rather than always chasing the newest opening, this one has been quietly doing its thing for quite a while.

Want to get your business in front of {{active_subscriber_count}} active Raleighites? Contact us.

Don’t miss these feel-good sips at The Mecca 🔥

Fried fish with cole slaw and your choice of two sides and a drink for $12—the perfect way to wrap up your week.

📍Where: The Mecca Restaurant
📅 When: Every Friday

🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,420 SQ FT | $249,900
A recently upgraded home featuring new LVP flooring, granite kitchen countertops, and a convenient location near shopping and schools. Take a look here →

🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,537 SQ FT | $325,000
A charming one-story Raleigh home featuring a vaulted living room with a brick fireplace, stainless steel kitchen, separate dining space, and two-car garage. Take a look here →

🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,932 SQ FT | 0.42 ACRES | $625,000
A spacious three-bedroom home featuring an open-concept quartzite kitchen, versatile bonus room, large family room, and a fenced backyard with plenty of outdoor space. Take a look here →

🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 5 BEDROOMS | 5 BATHROOMS | 5,098 SQ FT | 0.63 ACRES | $1,050,000
A striking custom estate featuring timeless architecture, modern updates, a bright kitchen, spacious entertaining areas, and inviting views of the backyard pool. Take a look here →

🍴 FOODIE FIND: Mothers & Sons' Golden Beet & Grilled Peach Salad features whipped ricotta, pickled blueberries, crispy shallots, and blueberry vinaigrette for a sweet and savory summer dish.

🐾 FOR ADOPTION: TSUKI | DOG | 2 YEARS | FEMALE
Tsuki is a playful, affectionate Beagle mix who loves other dogs, outdoor adventures, and cozy cuddles, and is both house- and crate-trained. Check her out here →

📝 LOCAL CLASS: Machine Learning: Intro To Power Tools at Rockler Woodworking and Hardware on August 30 at 11:00 AM
A beginner-friendly power tools class covering safe handling, setup, and hands-on use of common woodworking tools like drills, saws, and sanders. Learn more here →

🧠 UNSCRAMBLE: Unscramble this Raleigh-related phrase and reply with the correct answer. First person to answer correctly earns eternal Raleigh bragging rights: ERHODATO IXD SPMCUA

Yesterday’s answer: RALEIGH CITY HALL

🗳️ YOUR RALEIGH PICK: Vote to see the results. If you’re not already, you’ll need to subscribe to the free newsletter to vote.

📊 YESTERDAY’S POLL RESULTS:

Today's photo comes from Michelle, who spotted this colorful Raleigh-themed mural tucked along the train ride at Pullen Park — a little piece of artwork you have to hop aboard to see.

Have a great photo of Raleigh? We'd love to feature it in a future edition of Raleigh.com. Whether it's a skyline shot, a neighborhood landmark, a local event, a beautiful park, or a hidden gem around town, send it our way.

📧 Submit your photos to: [email protected]

By submitting a photo, you confirm that:

We can't wait to see Raleigh through your eyes. Submit your photos to [email protected].

Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.

👋 Event of the day: Bingo, Books, & Bagels for Seniors @ Southeast Regional Library | August 27 | 9:30 AM
A lively senior gathering featuring bagels, book talks, and friendly rounds of bingo for adults ages 60 and up. Get details here →

💲 Senior Discount of the Day: Harris Teeter | 5% Off Thursdays
Show your VIC card and let the cashier know you’re 60+ — discount applies after coupons (not valid on fuel, pharmacy, gift cards).

🎸 This Week: Ashley Robinson | Rock
Ashley Robinson is a musician and live performer known for engaging performances and a distinctive, personality-driven musical style. | Crooked Hammock Brewery | August 30 | 3:00 PM | Get details here →

🎤 Plan Ahead: Rod Wave | Rap
Rod Wave is a rapper, singer, and songwriter known for his emotionally charged lyrics, soulful vocals, and blend of hip-hop and R&B. | Lenovo Center | September 15 | 8:00 PM | Get tickets here →

When you need to get things done (the right way, and fast), you don’t have time to read endless reviews. We’ve done that for you. These leading local service professionals have earned their stellar reputations and are ready to help you simplify your life.

Call them and tell them we sent you!*

✔️ Auto Mechanic: King’s Auto Service has 630+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted for over 75 years for reliable, expert car care in Raleigh.

✔️ Botox: BeautyCo has 260+ Google reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating—Raleigh’s go-to spot for expert Botox treatments and natural-looking results.

✔️ Cosmetic Surgeon (Body): Amelia Aesthetics has 580+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted experts for body contouring and enhancement.

✔️ Cosmetic Surgeon (Face): Raleigh Eye and Face has 140+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—expert facial aesthetics and surgical care you can trust.

✔️ Dentist: Russo DDS has 1,500+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted by families all over Raleigh for exceptional dental care.

✔️ Handyman: Ace Handyman Services Greater Triangle and Johnston County has 900+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—because getting things fixed right matters.

✔️ Home Remodeler: Simply Right Remodeling has 100+ Google reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating—expert craftsmanship to transform your home with style and precision.

✔️ HVAC Services: Air Experts—Raleigh’s go-to HVAC specialists with 7,300+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating. Don’t wait for the next heatwave!

✔️ Laser Hair Removal: BodyLase Med Spa has nearly 900 Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating for expert laser hair removal. Book your glow-up today!

✔️ Massage Therapist: Lorena Luca Spa & Skin Clinic boasts 460+ Google reviews and a 4.8-star rating—because you deserve to relax.

✔️ Mortgage Broker: Erika Fonseca - Oak City Lending (NMLS #2679761) has 15 Google reviews, all 5.0 stars. Get the best home loan options with a pro who truly cares!

✔️ Orthodontist: Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry has 1,400+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—creating confident smiles for kids and adults across Raleigh.

✔️ Therapist: Elizabeth Tatum, LCMHC has 5.0 stars and 30+ Google reviews for compassionate, effective therapy. Take care of your mental wellness with one of Raleigh’s best.

✔️ Wealth Advisor: Capitol Financial has 25+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating for expert financial planning. Your future self will thank you.

🎤 This Week: Shawn Gardini at Goodnights Comedy Club | August 27 | 7:30 PM | Shawn Gardini is a stand-up comedian and podcaster known for his laid-back delivery, offbeat humor, and appearances on Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast. Get tickets here →

😂 Plan Ahead: Bruce Bruce at Goodnights Comedy Club | September 25–27 | Bruce Bruce is a stand-up comedian and actor known for his warm Southern charm, relatable storytelling, and larger-than-life stage presence. Get tickets here →

Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:

👋 Glam.Set.Match! @ Pullen Park Tennis Courts | August 29 | 2:00 PM
A high-energy tennis and beauty experience featuring clinics, match play, challenges, glam touch-ups, games, giveaways, a live DJ, and refreshments. Get details here →

The Willard’s Rooftop is one of those places you take friends when you want to show off the city. Think panoramic views, laid-back drinks, and the kind of sunset that makes Raleigh feel bigger than it is.

—Nigel, a longtime reader

Connect with engaged consumers across the Triangle. Find out more here.

Hey, y’all: Event info can change—always check the organizer’s site before you go.

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